Sambo is a term that can refer to two different things: a martial art and a derogatory label for a person of African descent.
Martial Art:
- Sambo is a martial art with Soviet origins that combines the ground fighting and grappling aspects of judo and wrestling with the use of standing fighting techniques such as punching, kicking, knee strikes, and elbow strikes).
- It was developed in the early 1920s by the Soviet NKVD and Red Army to improve hand-to-hand combat abilities of their servicemen).
- There are different types of Sambo, including sport Sambo, combat Sambo, and beach Sambo).
- Combat Sambo, developed for the military, resembles modern mixed martial arts, including forms of striking and grappling).
- Sambo is included in the World Wrestling Championships along with Greco-Roman wrestling).
Derogatory Label:
- Sambo is a derogatory label for a person of African descent in the English language, derived from the Spanish term "zambo" for a person of South American negro, mixed European, and native descent).
- It has been used as a stereotypical name for African Americans as early as the Civil War).
- The term is considered offensive and should not be used.
In summary, Sambo is a martial art with Soviet origins that combines aspects of judo, wrestling, and striking techniques. It was developed in the early 1920s by the Soviet NKVD and Red Army to improve hand-to-hand combat abilities of their servicemen. However, the term "Sambo" is also a derogatory label for a person of African descent and should not be used.